Biodiversity loss and habitat degradation continue to threaten fragile ecosystems across the South Adriatic region, particularly in protected mountain and freshwater environments. Climate pressures, human activities, and limited cross-border coordination in conservation planning are making it increasingly difficult to safeguard priority habitats and species in Natura 2000 sites and protected areas. 

To respond to these challenges, the LASPEH 2.0 – Enhancing the protection of priority habitats and species in protected areas of the South Adriatic project was launched under the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Programme 2021–2027. Running from July 2025 to December 2027, the project aims to strengthen ecosystem resilience through the joint development of management tools, the implementation of concrete conservation actions, and the definition of a shared cross-border strategy for protecting priority habitats and species. 

Pilot actions in Durmitor National Park 

Within the LASPEH 2.0 project, the National Parks of Montenegro will focus their activities on Barno Lake, located in Durmitor National Park, one of Montenegro’s most iconic natural areas, established in 1952 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. 

Durmitor covers  32,100 hectares and it is a major destination for hiking, mountaineering, and nature tourism. Barno Lake represents an important freshwater ecosystem hosting priority habitats and species typical of alpine and subalpine environments. 

At this site, National Parks of Montenegro will develop or update the Conservation Plan and implement pilot activities aimed at improving habitat protection, ecological status, and the long-term conservation of species and ecosystems. These actions will contribute to strengthening biodiversity protection and sustainable management practices in one of Montenegro’s most valuable natural areas. 

Public Enterprise for National Parks of Montenegro, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Podgorica, manages five national parks in Montenegro covering approximately 104,702 hectares — about 7.6% of Montenegro’s territory — preserving mountains, forests, wetlands, and unique habitats across 16 municipalities.

LASPEH 2.0 is coordinated by the Puglia Region – Department of Environment, Landscape and Urban Quality (Italy) and brings together a partnership of institutions working in biodiversity conservation and protected-area management: 

• Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park (Italy)
• National Parks of Montenegro (Montenegro)
• Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania
• Municipality of Taranto (Italy) 

Through cooperation, knowledge exchange, and pilot conservation measures, the project will strengthen institutional capacities and promote coordinated action for biodiversity protection across the South Adriatic region.